Friday, April 23, 2010

I Wet My Pants

The little boy whispered, "I wet my pants.""I do that too," laughed the little old man.

It always comforts to know that someone older, wiser and more accomplished feels exactly the way we do sometimes.

Ever feel you have to fit yourself into an impossible mold formed of the expectations of editors and the reading public if you ever hope to see your book in print?

e.e. cummings would slap your back and tell you to join the club. He wrote:

"To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting."

On Monday, we laughed over Margaret Atwood's oh-so-relatable list of things people say to authors, and the things authors actually hear when they say them. On Wednesday, we explored the ways each of us expresses his/her faith in the writing.

Today, lets consider how much faith it takes to remain fully the writers we are, with all our insecurities and rejection slips.

cummings had some of his own. In 1935 his mother paid to self-publish his book, 70 poems, and in the book, he offered this dedication in the shape of a funeral urn, to all the publishers who had turned the book down:

Don't you love his spirit? Is there any doubt that it was this same spirit that made him the unique, unforgettable - and well published poet we remember today?

I'd like to suggest that to keep writing in the face of economic setbacks and rejection slips, to keep on when there seems no practical reason we should, is to trust in a creator who keeps his reasons to himself. Remember? When Job asked why God had allowed so many calamaties to befall his family - financial ruin, the loss of his children, the loss of his health - what did God answer?

"I made the Leviathon."

It does make sense, if you turn your head the right way. You have to trust him without explanation, because of who he is. Because his ways are higher than ours, higher than the stratosphere.

As I write this, it occurs to me that there truly are advantages to writing a novel without a publisher. I meant to list several, but it's been a long day and I can think of only one. Still, it's a good one:

You can totally write what you want. No expectations to fulfil. No assigned topic, no one to displease. You can gather all your experiences, dreams and passions into the biggest snowball ever, drop it from the cliff and watch it explode into something spectacular.

(This, in my opinion, is a pretty good way to write something worth publishing.)

Now help me out: what are some other advantages to writing without a publisher? Make it your exercise to think of at least one, and tell us what you come up with, please. We want to know what you have to say.

I haven't written for an editor yet, or been told what to write, or been in any of the situations you've mentioned. But I do wonder, under the circumstances you mentioned, if the sense I often have of me and God creating something in partnership and intimacy might be diminished or even lost? I hope that hasn't happened for you! I think this is a good thing to keep in mind when praying for the published authors we're linked to.

I love what Wendy Miller said about your knack for educating with humility. It's also why I never miss a post here.

I think it's kind of like what Paul said in 1 Corinthians, about a woman who is unmarried can focus entirely on her relationship with God. A married woman divides her attention between her husband and God.

Writing without a publisher does allow one to focus just on what you believe God calls you to write. But just as marriage isn't bad in itself but it calls you to apportion things, so does having a flesh and blood editor with preferences and a publishing company with an established profile (and stewardship!) they want to maintain.

Relationships cost an individual. Of course they bring great rewards as well. But just as a newly-married woman has to discern the godly calling of marriage and see how that intersects with her relationship with God, so does a Christian writer who submits himself or herself to the authority/relationship/strictures/rewards of having a publisher and editor.

Wow, this post was affirmation for the 'still small voice' that's been whispering in my ear. "Write for Me and for joy of writing. That's all that matters."It's true, for me, that writing for a publisher can put me in the mindset of trying to meet the expectations of what the editor thinks the reader wants.

Wendy - good thinking! Though the lack of a deadline can become a lack of motivation, it can also give you plenty of time to hone your manuscript into something wonderful.

Terri, I'm glad you love our blog, and I'm so glad your friends and family are bragging about you.

Lori, I think Latayne's answer is a good one. Having a publisher, having readers changes things, but not necessarily in a bad way. It's a lot like the difference between marriage and the single life. A single woman can put her life on hold, waiting to find a husband, but that's not the best use of her time. Much better to live her life to her god-worshiping fullest so that when she enters into a marriage, she enters as a whole and healthy partner.

In the same way, a pre-published author who throws herself into smashing that snowball sets herself up to be the best kind of published author.

Remember that the kind of writing you carry with you into publication will help determine what publishers and readers expect from you in the future. So write what you love. There's no better time to define yourself as an author than right now.

I'd written five novels before I queried one. I only know the advantage of writing from the heart, of putting the passion to the page. The Lord has spoken these words to me along the way when the writing times seemed to evaporate: "If you pick up the pen, I'll give you the words." I did, and He did. (My first novel of monster size was written in long hand.)

One thing I've learned: if it's not there, I can't force it. And He determines who I ultimately write for beyond Him because neither can I "force" my work into a royalty publisher's hands. I have no idea how I'd do with an idea someone else provides . . .

I poured two years of my life into a novel. I have a group of supporters waiting to read the story. Some lived the dream with me by assisting with research or proofing a section. They helped create the work. They deserve a finished product and don't understand the complications of rejection and the slow moving publishing world. Contracts mean nothing to them. They ask, "If you're a writer, where's the book?" I let them down when I can't provide a copy.

Randolf, yes, ultimately it's the readers you're writing for, and I think most editors know that. The aquisitions editors are the gatekeepers, however, unless you self-publish - in which case you can write a snarky dedication after the manner of mr. cummings.

Melinda, one lesson I'm trying to learn is that I let no one down when something happens (or doesn't happen) that's beyond my control. Stewing in that pot only saps energy that could better go into writing my best work.

I like what Latayne said. I think you have to determine a purpose, though, because getting the work of your heart published most always means bending to someone else's will eventually. Only you can decide if you want to do that after all the work you put into crafting something you thought was special. I went all out for Meander Scar, and only about two-thirds of it passed into print, leaving on the floor the one scene a former agent thought made the book saleable, and my favorite character. After a few rejections, I did just what you said - rewrote whatever I wanted. I think I even said that to my crit partner. Then, when it got a bite from a publisher, I had to be willing to chew...and swallow.

Latayne, you gave a wonderful answer that speaks so clearly to the issue. Yes, yes. I can see it that way perfectly. How comforting. And confirming to the word I received this morning; right after I read Katy's post this morning I dove into prayer time with that issue at the top of my list! Thank you ladies. Great discussion today.

I loved this post with the comments. Thanks Kathleen and all here. I've worked with editors for non-fiction pieces and have accepted direction from them. But as an unpublished novelist I write what I want to read and not what the market tells me is hot now, and I can still work at the speed at which I'm presently able. I know a large part of being published in fiction is marketing your work. So as a yet unpublished novelist I can concentrate on the writing for the time being. Have a wonderful weekend everyone and don't get discouraged.

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Praise for Novel Matters Authors

Lying on Sunday:"Sharon has created a character so vivid and real you'll feel as though you've stepped into Abbie Torrington's life. You don't want to miss this beautiful story of healing and grace" Virginia Smith, author of Age Before Beauty.

The Feast of Saint Bertie:"A story-feast from the get-go! The Feast of Saint Bertie is a surprising, engaging, unique story that will challenge readers to rethink what it means to be a Christ-follower in today's crazy, materialistic culture. With vivid characters, unconventional settings, and a beautifully unfolding plot, this book is the kind that will stay with you, like the fond memory of a great meal."~Mary E. DeMuth, author of Watching the Tree Limbs and Wishing on Dandelions.

Talking to the Dead:“It isn’t often that I get so hooked on the characters and story that I forget time and purpose. Talking to the Dead caught hold of my heart from page one. It takes a gifted and intuitive writer like Bonnie to bring humor into the middle of such a serious story. Call her the Jodi Piccoult of Christian fiction! Beautifully done! I can’t wait to read the next story she writes.” ~Francine Rivers, bestselling author of Redeeming LoveLatter Day Cipher:"Latter-Day Cipher involves the reader not only in a page-turning murder mystery, but also in the struggles of those who must face their own shaken beliefs. A former faithful Mormon, author Scott is sympathetic to those struggles, and attempts to look compassionately at the process of making the hard decision to change."—Sandra Furlong Christian Retailing (Latter Day Cipher is a "top pick" March 2009)

Tuesday Night at the Blue Moon:"An unusual plotline and top-notch prose mark this talented novelist’s debut...competent dialogue, touches of humor, and sparkling character dynamics make this a welcome addition to the faith fiction fold." --Publishers WeeklyThe Queen of Sleepy Eye:“Few stories are able to portray both the crushing cost of sin and the transforming power of grace. The Queen of Sleepy Eye succeeds brilliantly. Patti Hill crafts each word with beauty and artistry.” Sharon Hinck, author of Stepping into Sunlight